Yoga for lunges: Boost breathing power and Respiratory health naturally
Breathing is life - yet most of us forget to breathe properly. With today's lifestyle, pollution, stress, and even post-illness recovery (like COVID-19), lung strength and respiratory health have become more important than ever. The good news is- yoga offers powerful tools to improve lung function, expand breathing capacity, and support your respiratory system.
This blog guides you through effective yoga asanas, pranayama (breathing techniques), and lifestyle tips to naturally boost your lung health.
Why is lung health important today?
- Bringing in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide
- supporting energy and stamina
- Fighting respiratory infections
- Reducing fatigue and improving immunity
- Asthma, allergies, and breathlessness.
- Chronic fatigue
- Weak immunity
- Increased risk during infections
1. Yoga asanas to strengthen the lungs
These poses expand the chest, improve posture, and support deeper breathing.
☑ 1. Bhujangasan ( Cobra Pose)
How to do:
- Lie flat on your stomach
- place plans under the shoulders
- Inhale: Lift your chest and head up, elbows bent.
- Hold for 15-20 seconds, breathe normally
- Exhale: Come back down
☑ 2. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Spinal Twist)
- Sit with legs extended
- Bend the right leg and cross over the left
- Twist torso to the right, place left foot below on the right knee
- Hold for 30 seconds, repeat on the other side
- Opens the chest.
- Improves lung capacity
- Strengthens the diaphragm
☑ 3. Dhanurasana ( Bow Pose)
- Lie on your stomach, bend your knees
- Hold ankles with hands
- Inhale: Lift chest and legs off the ground
- Hold and breathe
- Exhale and relax
- Powerful chest opener
- Improves lung elasticity
- Stimulates internal organs
☑ 4. Tadasana ( Mountain Pose) + Deep Breathing
- Stand tall, arms overhead
- Stretch the entire body up
- Breathe deeply while holding the pose
- Improves oxygen flow
- Enhances posture for easier breathing
☑ 5. Matsyasana (Fish pose)
- Lie on your back
- Place hands under hips
- Inhale: Lift chest and head, arch the back
- Keep the crown of your head on the floor
- Opens the lungs and throat
- Strengthens breathing muscles
Pranayama Techniques for lung power
Pranayama helps purify your breath, increase lung capacity, and calm the nervous system.
1. Nadi shodhana ( Alternate Nostril Breathing)
- Sit comfortably
- Use your right thumb to close your right nostril
- Inhale through the left nostril
- Close the left nostril, and exhale through the right
- Repeat 10 rounds
- Balances energy
- Clears nasal passages
- Improves oxygen intake
2. Bhastrika ( bellows Breath)
- Inhale deeply and exhale forcefully through the nose
- Continue fast inhaling/exhaling for 10 breaths
- Rest and repeat 3 rounds
- Strengthens lungs
- Improves oxygen supply
- Boosts energy
3. Kapalabhati (Skull shining Breath)
- Quick active exhale, passive inhale through the nose
- Do 30-50 pumps
- Rest and repeat
- Clears lungs
- Burns toxins
- Increases lung strength
4. Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath)
- Slightly constrict the throat
- Inhale and exhale slowly through the nose with a soft sound
- Practice for 5-10 minutes
- Improves breath control
- Strengthens diaphragm
- Calms the mind
Foods and habits to support lung health
Pair your yoga with the right food and lifestyle for the best results.
☑ Best Foods for lung support
- Turmeric - Anti-inflammatory
- Ginger - Clears airways
- Garlic - Boosts immunity
- Tulsi ( holy basil) - Soothes the respiratory system
- Leafy greens - Rich in antioxidants
- Citrus fruits - high in vitamin C
- Smoking or second-hand smoke
- Deep-fried or oily foods
- Cloud foods and drinks
- Excessive dairy if you have mucus issues
Daily Habits:
- Practice yoga and pranayama every morning
- Get sunlight and fresh air daily
- Sit straight-poor posture reduces lung capacity
- Stay hydrated
Simple Daily Routine for Stronger Lungs
Times:
Morning: Pranayama + yoga Asanas. duration 30-45 min
Afternoon: Light walk or breathing breaks. 15 min
Evening: Deep breathing + relaxation pose. 15-20 min
⚠️ When to Seek Medical Help
While yoga is very supportive, contact a doctor if you experience:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing or asthma that worsens
Conclusion
Your breath is your power. Yoga and pranayama are natural ways to strengthen your lungs, calm your mind, and energise your body. Just 30 minutes daily can transform your breathing, increase lung capacity, and protect you from respiratory illnesses.
Start small, stay regular, and breathe better every day - your lungs will thank you.

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